Porsche 911 Carrera 4S Coupe

The Porsche 911 Carrera 4S has been the car of choice for the enthusiast driver who appreciates the performance provided by Porsche’s 315 horsepower (SAE), normally aspirated six-cylinder “boxer” engine, but wants the look and feel of the higher-performance Porsche 911 Turbo.

The 911 Carrera 4S models adopt the Tiptronic S transmission from the 911 Turbo. The lock-up torque converter and shifting programs have been specially tailored to the naturally aspirated engine.

In automatic mode, Tiptronic S uses infinitely variable shift points to respond to driving circumstances and driving style. During leisurely driving, Tiptronic S upshifts early to provide a quiet ride and the best fuel efficiency. With quicker manipulation of the gas pedal, the transmission responds by raising shift points to hold each gear longer for crisp response and power.

The Tiptronic S transmission draws from among 250 different shift maps to provide optimal performance at all times. Even in automatic mode, the computer-controlled Tiptronic S responds like a driver working a manual transmission, downshifting or holding lower gears when cornering and driving on hills. Tiptronic S allows the driver to select manual mode by pressing an up- or downshift button, even with the shift lever in the “D” position.The 911 Carrera 4S employs the four-wheel vented disc brakes derived from the Porsche GT1 racecar and shared with the 911 Turbo. One-piece (“monoblock”), four-piston brake calipers reduce unsprung weight and improve heat dissipation.

The front and rear discs measure 13 inches in diameter (330 mm), but differ in thickness – 1.34-inches (34 mm) in front and 1.1-inches (28 mm) in the rear. The cross-drilled rotors dissipate heat to maintain braking performance and brake feel even under hard usage. In comparison, the brake rotors on the standard 911 Carrera measure 12.5 inches in diameter and 1.1-inches thick (318 mm x 28 mm) in front and 11.8 inches in diameter and 0.95-inch thick (299 mm x 24 mm) in the rear.